Everything you need to know about employee benefits

The more we know, the better we can help you obtain the best business outcomes from your employee benefits. So every day, you’ll find Aon analysts elbows-deep in data, refining our understanding of what works, how, and why.

In particular, we collate and interpret the results of employee benefits surveys and research findings gleaned from thousands of organisations around the world. It gives us a deep well of information to draw from – and we’d like to share it with you.

Our experts love to talk through their findings, and hear perspectives from leaders working in the sector. So if you have a view on one of our white papers or reports – or if you’d simply like some clarification – please do email us at letstalkbenefits@aon.co.uk or call 0344 573 0033.

HR in Law & Aon Employee Benefits Survey 2019 February 2019

Read the 2019 HR in Law & Aon Employee Benefits survey report – our comprehensive study on the benefits offered in the legal sector and trends in key benefit provisions.

Ten years on from the launch of the first report, these biennial reports continue to highlight the evolving benefit trends and engagement approaches within the legal sector, and this year is no different.

This year’s survey draws upon the responses from 96 participant law firms across Silver Circle, Legal 100, Regional, National, US and Global firms, providing unique benchmarking information and insights to help you measure the competitiveness of your benefits package to both professional and support staff.

Aon 2019 Benefits and Trends Survey January 2019

Our Benefits and Trends Survey is now in its ninth year and we again draw on the responses of more than 200 participants across a broad range of sectors, representing employers with fewer than one hundred employees to those with many thousands. This year we have introduced a number of new questions in line with emerging trends such as changing workforce demographics, the differing needs and expectations of generations and changing policies for the various forms of parental leave and pay.

Aon Global Financial Wellbeing Study November 2018

Read Aon’s study of how multinational companies are forming part of the emerging Financial Wellbeing landscape. Nearly 200 large multinationals took part in the study which gives for the first time an insight into what companies are already doing and planning to do in this field. The study reveals what makes up the financial wellbeing landscape at the moment and more importantly how this is likely to develop in the near future. The study also reveals employees’ current and future expectations of how their employer can support them in this area.

We look at some of the contemporary and taboo topics driving mental health issues for today’s workforce, and what employers can do.

Aon interview in the Business Reporter Wellbeing Campaign October 2018

You may have spotted on the Aon social channels that Aon has participated in the Business Reporter’s 2018 Well Being Campaign, hosted and filmed for the Telegraph online in conjunction with the CIPD, MIND/Heads Together, and Time-To-Change.

The campaign aims to address the full spectrum of wellbeing challenges facing HR professionals, business owners and society as a whole. The articles and videos focus directly on the business case behind these issues to enable decision makers to gain a greater insight into the best strategies and solutions available.

Mark Witte, Charles Alberts, and Sarah Robson were interviewed on the impact of poor mental health on businesses and how employers can build an effective strategy for benefits provision and communication to support employees with their mental health.

We look at some of the contemporary and taboo topics driving mental health issues for today’s workforce, and what employers can do.

The contemporary drivers of mental health October 2018

Mental health is a significant issue for businesses. It can increase presenteeism and absence, negatively impact productivity, morale and engagement, and it costs UK employers up to £42 billion a year. There is a huge opportunity for employers and businesses to be part of the solution in understanding and addressing mental health concerns.

We look at some of the contemporary and taboo topics driving mental health issues for today’s workforce, and what employers can do.

The Future of At Retirement July 2018

In this paper, we are not asking whether retirement itself is an outdated concept that needs to be retired – a subject deserving of a paper in itself. Rather we are discussing here what is happening now, and needs to happen in the near and medium term, in the ‘at retirement’ market. What products, processes and guidance do we need now, and in the future, to deal with the challenge of spending our defined contribution (DC) savings pots – the ugly decumulation word.

Financial Wellbeing – An Employer Point of View July 2018

Aon has recently conducted a study of multinational organizations into how employers are responding to the emerging trend of Financial Wellbeing. The study involved complete responses from 159 different multinationals and the results were presented back via a series of web events.

Benefits in the Digital Age - 5 Secrets of Success July 2018

The world of work has been transformed over the last decade. The rise of technology, the internet and the super-computers that virtually all of us carry in our pockets have revolutionised our interactions with one another, the dynamic between employer and employee, and the way that we seize opportunities. We’ve identified the top five challenges businesses face, spanning industries, and have devised our five secrets to success in tackling those challenges head on in the digital age.

From 6 April 2017, a registered pension scheme may make one payment of Pension Advice Allowance in respect of that person in a tax year. This can only be done at the request of a member (including a person who is a member in their capacity as a dependant, nominee or successor of a member who has died). The maximum amount of each payment is £500, and it must be paid from a money purchase arrangement or a hybrid arrangement directly to the financial advisor providing the advice.

Managing Employee Stress – A top 10 May 2018

We know that there is no such thing as a healthy level of stress. The right amounts of pressure are beneficial to help us be engaged with work and productive – but when this pressure becomes too much it can turn to stress which is harmful to mental, physical and emotional health, and can have serious impacts on your employees and your business.

To mark the end of a successful Mental Health Awareness Week, we are pleased to share a practical ‘top ten’ for how you can address this important issue.

How to increase Benefits Engagement Guide April 2018

If you want to engage more effectively, you need to explore different ways to get your employees interested. In this guide, we’ll share ten tips for getting – and keeping – your employees connected with your benefits programme, so both your workforce and your company get the full value from your offering.

Client Briefing: Scottish Rate Income Tax (SRIT) 2018/19 April 2018

The Scotland Act 2012 transferred devolved powers to the Scottish Parliament and part of this was the introduction of Scottish Rate Income Tax (SRIT). This allows the Scottish Parliament to set the rates of income tax paid by Scottish taxpayers which can differ from the rest of the UK.

EMEA Health Survey 2018 April 2018

The Aon EMEA Health Survey aims to identify the key health issues and trends employers are facing as they develop their people risk strategies. This year’s survey is bigger than the 2016 edition, now covering 22 countries and again finds some interesting trends, as well as some interesting differences, in the ways employers across the region approach health and wellbeing.

Client Briefing: Childcare Vouchers and National Living Wage increases March 2018

You may have already seen from media reports that the Government has announced it will keep the salary sacrifice childcare voucher scheme open for a further 6 months.
Over the past 12 months we have seen much pressure applied on this issue. Aon have followed these debates closely and played a leading part in the general conversation on this important matter.

Client Briefing: Pension Annual Allowance 2018/19 March 2018

The Annual Allowance is the highest amount you can save towards your pension each year tax-free. It applies to your contributions and your employer’s, and to any other pensions you accrue benefits in.
If you go over the Annual Allowance you may have to pay tax on the excess, though you can ‘carry forward’ any ‘unused’ allowance from the previous three tax years.

The Times Workplace Pensions Report 2018 February 2018

Distributed recently with The Times, the Workplace Pensions Report features an article supplied by Aon entitled Workplace pension outcomes depend on shared engagement. To read the article and the wider report, download a free copy of the publication here:

The Times Workplace Pensions Article 2018 February 2018

Outcomes delivered by employer pension schemes depend more than ever on levels of engagement, so companies must create good quality schemes and successfully communicate their benefits. Read Aon’s article in The Times Workplace Pensions Report now:

The Benefits Score paper February 2018

For as long as employers have offered benefits, there have been ways to see how their packages stack up against their peers. But these tools don’t really give an employer insight into how well its benefits offerings are performing. No two businesses have the same employees, objectives or strategy, and that means they’ll need – and want – different things from their benefits. In this paper, we’ll explore the changing benefits landscape in the UK and how The Benefits Score helps businesses answer the challenges these shifts in the industry create.

Client Briefing: Lifetime Allowance February 2018

The Lifetime Allowance (LTA) was introduced into pension legislation on 6th April 2006 and is the maximum value of pension benefits an individual can accumulate in their working lifetime before being subject to a further tax charge, in addition to income tax, when taking pension benefits. This additional tax charge is known as the "LTA excess charge".

Client Briefing: Automatic Enrolment – The Basics February 2018

Wellbeing for Multinationals Report February 2018

A growing number of employers worldwide are starting to invest in the health and well-being of their employees (Global Survey of Workforce Wellbeing Strategies, 2016). Leading global reasons for implementing employee health strategies are: improving performance and productivity, and improving workforce morale and engagement. However, these strategies are also being developed against a growing global threat of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) brought on by famine, poverty, war, population/economic growth etc, which are affecting the future sustainability of organisations and the communities they serve. This report is intended to contribute thought leadership to tackling NCDs and debate how multinationals are responding through creating wellbeing ecosystems that can be extended across different continents and countries.

Employee Benefits and Trends Survey 2018 January 2018

Now in its eighth year, the survey results show an evolving approach to benefits programmes, as organisations balance cost considerations and a changing regulatory environment with the need to increase employee engagement and retention. In this report, we guide you through the key findings of the survey and offer expert analysis of what the results mean for the industry as a whole, and for your own benefits strategy including why employees should be treated as people, not demographic segments and where benefits communications should take a leaf out of the consumer marketing playbook.

Digital GP Client Briefing December 2017

There has been considerable interest shown recently in light of the news that Digital GP services will be made available to an estimated 3.5 million people living or working in London via the NHS. This initiative, called GP at Hand, is being rolled out across zones one to three in the capital and is being delivered in partnership with digital health firm babylon. Given the scale of this roll out and the continued potential future growth of digital health services, it is important to take stock of what this might mean for employers and their health strategies both now and in the longer term.

The Autumn Budget 2017 Client Briefing November 2017

The Autumn Budget laid out on 22 November 2017 by the Chancellor, Phillip Hammond, was positioned as supporting Britain’s need to prepare ‘to meet the challenges ahead’, driving for ‘a dynamic and innovative economy’. Within the context of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s downgrades in productivity assumptions and cuts to the growth forecasts, it lowers the Chancellor’s headroom for tax and spending giveaways in future Budgets. However, Hammond presented a Budget heavy on promises of investment, and while there were few surprises or upsets, there are some significant points for businesses to consider. Our technical experts have provided an overview of the key areas employee benefits professionals need to be aware of.

UK Health Survey November 2017

Our 2017 UK Health Survey looked at the importance of Health & Wellbeing to the modern employer. Conducted by over 200 UK firms, the feedback provided on current strategy and trends make for some fascinating reading and insightful analysis. Key themes here being escalating healthcare costs, a continued shift away from the State for the health & welfare burden, increased choice for pathways to access care, increased awareness of the impact of underlying poor health behaviours and an increasingly diverse, multigenerational workforce to engage with.

2018 Global Medical Trend Rates October 2017

Aon is pleased to present the results of its 2018 survey of average medical trend rates from countries around the world. The survey was conducted among 98 Aon offices that broker, administer, or otherwise advise on employer-sponsored medical plans in each of the 98 countries covered in this report.

An ageing population - a threat or an opportunity for your business? September 2017

The ageing of Europe, also known as the greying of Europe, is a demographic phenomenon characterised by a decrease in fertility, a decrease in mortality rate, and a higher life expectancy, albeit not necessarily in good health, among European populations. The most significant change will be the transition towards a much older population structure, especially the increase in the age group over 65 up to 2030. What does this mean for your business and are you thinking about the risks and opportunities this new challenge presents?

Aon Global Benefits COE Study Report June 2017

This COE study attracted over 120 participants from multinational companies, from across 20 countries, and provides deep insight into how organisations are utilising COEs and the factors which impact on their effectiveness. The study also looked at companies who have not implemented a COE model and compared/contrasted their responses with organisations that have.

Now is the time for a fresh look at company pensions May 2017

As the pensions industry continues to come to terms with enormous changes over the last five years, business leaders are looking again at the defined contribution pension arrangements they’re offering employees. Read our article, first published in the Workplace Pensions Report, distributed with The Times.

Workplace Pensions Report 2017 May 2017

Distributed recently with The Times, the Workplace Pensions Report examines the ways in which changing regulation has and will influence the pensions landscape highlighting some of the decisions facing employers and members. Download a free copy of the publication in which Aon encourages businesses to take a fresh look at DC pensions.

Employee health and wellbeing along with pensions and retirement have been dominant issues in the HR press for at least five years. Many employers have implemented wellbeing plans and many report good results. In light of this it would be reasonable to assume that employee wellness is improving, however the data suggests a different picture. In order to assess the significance of health in today’s workplace we have reviewed global, regional and national data and scrutinised detailed claims sources from our own client base.

Aon Client Briefing - Spring Budget

March 2017

It is clear that the Chancellor wishes to “keep his powder dry” for what promises to be an eventful 2017. Whilst a relatively uneventful Budget, this should not mask the changes currently underway from previous Budgets. Many of these are significant for Employee Benefits and in need of urgent review given we are a few weeks away from implementation on 6 April 2017.

Aon DC Members Survey

February 2017

With pensions continuing to be a significant focus for employers, we're pleased to be able to reveal some of the findings from our second DC Member survey. The main topic that this survey was designed to look at was "Helping your members achieve their goals". The survey was carried out in association with YouGov and was completed by over 2000 DC Members from a range of companies.

Employee Benefits and Trend Survey

February 2017

Now in it's seventh year, this survey looks at all of the main areas in Employee Benefits and aims to look for any trends in what companies are planning for this year and the issues they may be facing. This was completed by over 200 HR and Benefits professionals, the full, detailed report is now available.

Death in Service Pension Survey

December 2016

This paper looks at the options open to Trustees and Employers who may be their Death in Service Pensions. A combination of economic , social and legislative forces have conspired to force many policyholders to consider alternative options for what is increasingly becoming regarded as an unsustainable, out of date benefit to be consigned to history along with defined benefit pension arrangements to which the DISP promise was often so closely attached. We look in more detail at options, including re-financing, re-designing or replacing the benefit. This paper looks to help Trustee and Employers still to confront these challenges.

Aon 2017 Global Medical Trend Rate Report

Salary Sacrifice

October 2016

On the 10th August 2016, HMRC launched the long awaited consultation on salary sacrifice. This follows the March 2016 budget announcement that the Government remain concerned about the growth of salary sacrifice schemes.The Government has set the Autumn Statement for 23rd November 2016, when we expect to hear more on the exact outcomes. In the meantime, read Aon’s briefing here:

Aon Brexit Briefing

June 2016

A number of our clients have asked us for our view on the potential impact of Brexit. As a firm we do not form or publish political opinions and so do not wish to inform or influence the opinions of our clients in this matter. However we accept that the question of the potential impact of Brexit on employee benefits is a valid one and as employee benefits consultants, we can consider the potential consequences of the Referendum.

EMEA Health Survey

May 2016

In the first quarter of 2016. Aon carried out its Health Benefits Survey. The survey aims to identify health trends within EMEA, and highlight where practices differ across countries, regions and EMEA as a whole.

Health Changes in EMEA

May 2016

Improving health and preventing disease is a key issue for policymakers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), whether this is at the Government level, driven by European Union initiatives or by non-Government bodies, such as the World Health Organisation, or a combination of all of these. While different countries within the region will face slightly different challenges, the burden of chronic disease is rising at a significant rate globally and this, combined with an ageing population, means healthcare expenditure and existing healthcare systems are unsustainable.

Aon Defined Contribution DC Survey 2015

December 2015

We have surveyed over 300 defined contribution (DC) pension scheme managers, trustees and sponsors at a crucial juncture for workplace savings. The past few years have seen an acceleration in the rate of change in DC pensions, with the start of auto-enrolment, the 2014 Budget changes (the Freedom and Choice agenda) and the regulation of costs via the charge cap.

2016 Global Medical Trend Rates

November 2015

Aon Hewitt is pleased to present the results of its 2016 survey of medical trend rates from around the world. The survey was conducted among Aon Hewitt offices that broker, administer, or otherwise advise on medical plans that are established and managed by employers in each of the 90 countries covered in this report.

Employee Benefits and Trends Survey 2015

November 2015

Download the sixth annual Aon Employee Benefits and Trends Survey report for free to get a detailed insight into the current UK benefits landscape. This extensive study covers four key areas of benefits provision; health and risk benefits; online benefits – flexible benefits and total reward; communications; and defined contribution pensions, including pensions auto-enrolment. Key findings include over half of respondents expect their benefit spend to increase in the next 12 months and most respondents provide benefits in order to meet market norms. Driving productivity and engagement and retaining talent are other reasons cited for providing benefits programmes.

The Real Deal- 2015 Retirement Income Adequacy at Large Companies

October 2015

Aon Hewitt’s sixth installment of The Real Deal study analyzes the financial retirement readiness of 2.1 million employees of 77 large U.S. employers. The study projects employees’ retirement needs and resources, assuming their current behaviors continue. The report analyzes retirement risks, measures employer and employee actions to help improve retirement outcomes, and provides our answers to the critical questions employees and employers need to consider while preparing for a financially successful retirement.

Pension Taxation Reform Report

October 2015

This is a summary of the Aon response to the HMRC consultation “Strengthening the incentive to save: a consultation on pensions tax relief”.

We have taken as our starting point — based on repeated comments from Treasury — that the objective of this consultation is to review the effectiveness of the current structure of incentives available to encourage pensions saving. However the Treasury consultation also stresses that the cost of current reliefs on pension saving is significant. There are relatively few comparable opportunities available to the government to improve public finances to the extent of pension taxation, and we accept that it would be reasonable for Treasury to question the overall quantum of relief offered. The proposals we have set out below address both the incentive and overall quantum of support for pensions.

Employee reward and benefits for multi-generation workforces

September 2015

Popular segmentation thinking argues that we now have 5 generations in the workforce and that they have differing needs and preferences. These differing needs and preferences when taken in the context of employment reward and benefits are caricatured by the “twenty-something” being disinterested in pension and keen on retail discounts and the “fifty-something” worried about pension and health. And of course flexible benefits is the answer… because this way employers can offer choice and employees can tailor their package to suit their preferences and lifestyle.

The July Budget - more change, more complexity for pensions

The July Budget - employee benefit changes and implications for flexible benefits

July 2015

The most significant budget implications in the employee benefits space were pension related, including the new consultation on the future pensions taxation landscape. However, this briefing focusses on other employee benefit changes from last week's Budget and their implications for employers. We also cover recent developments for tax free childcare.

Changes to pension tax relief

July 2015

In the 2015 Summer Budget, the government announced yet another reduction to the tax relief available on pension savings, this time targeting individuals earning more than £150,000 per year. Proposed changes to the Lifetime Allowance, announced in the March Budget, were also confirmed.

Lifetime Allowance Budget 2015

In-depth guide to retirement and pension changes produced by Aon Employee Benefits and Reward Guide

March 2015

Pensions auto-enrolment might have seemed like change enough for the employee benefits world. However, the transformations to retirement savings announced in the 2014 Budget has given both the pensions industry and employers an entire new set of requirements to comply with by the ambitious deadline of April 2015. In this guide to retirement choices and the new pensions rules, Reward, in association with Aon Employee Benefits, highlights key changes that HR directors need to be aware of, and what that means in terms of working practices.

April 2015 Freedom & Choice: Guidance Guarantee - Latest Developments

February 2015

Following the new retirement options offered under the April 2015 Freedom and Choice announcement, George Osborne declared his intention that everyone should have access to free guidance to help them make sense of their options at retirement. HM Treasury has announced that this new guidance service will be branded as, 'Pension wise: Your money. Your choice'. The consumer-facing, impartial organisations; The Pensions Advisory Service and Citizens Advice had previously been named as delivery partners. The latest Treasury update summarises developments so far, and provides some further details of how the service will operate.

2015 EMEA Employee Benefits Communication Survey now available

February 2015

Although just under three quarters of UK employers communicate their employee benefits packages to staff - either in-house or via an external provider - many are disappointed with the impact. Our 2015 EMEA Communication Survey has tips for employers wanting to address this.

Employee Benefits and Trends Survey 2014

September 2014

The fifth annual Benefits and Trends Survey builds on our previous years' studies to provide an overview of the key issues impacting the benefits world today. An essential read for all benefit professionals, the report covers a breadth of topics across the benefits spectrum, including flexible benefits, pensions and auto-enrolment, employee communications, health, risk and wellbeing solutions, and total reward. This is your opportunity to get an insight into how companies are dealing with the challenges of an industry currently faced with immense change, and how this is impacting benefit strategies.

Employee Benefits and Trends Survey 2013

2013

The fourth Aon Hewitt Benefits and Trends Survey provides an authoritative picture of today's UK benefits landscape. Covering DC pensions, including auto-enrolment, flexible benefits, health and risk benefits and communications, the survey paints a picture of evolving benefits provision within an environment of changing legislation, and of employers struggling to convey the value of the benefits they provide.

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